Don’t fear the screen! How screen sharing benefits teachers

The latest tools from Apple have the potential to drive the educational digital shift and transform classroom practices. But, with any advancement in education technology comes the concerns of misuse or propagating inferior teaching habits. When technology like Apple’s Classroom app can improve the way teachers teach and students learn, these concerns should be mitigated rather than used as an excuse to not implement certain technology advantages. Here are a few benefits to share with the skeptics out there and provide more freedom for teachers.

Apple’s Classroom app comes with the ability to view a student’s screen while in the classroom. This functionality allows teachers to be mobile while still being able to check in on students’ progress. Untethering teachers from their desk, whiteboard, or podium enables them to meet students' learning needs. Teachers are free to move about the room working one-on-one or with small groups of students.

With screen view, the possibilities are endless In addition to increased mobility, Classroom app comes with a variety of features that promote positive and effective teaching practices:

Real-time checks for understanding. Acting as a student response system, teachers can see student progress, notes, or answers to questions displayed on their iPads in real time. Instead of waiting until test day, teachers can check for understanding multiple times throughout a lesson to ensure students are on track.

Academic achievement for every student. Seeing the progress of individual students through screen view helps teachers recognize which students are progressing adequately and which students may need more assistance. Being able to identify which students may fall behind earlier in a lesson increases the likelihood that they’ll get the help they need.

More student-to-student engagement. With the ability to AirPlay screens, teachers who observe students’ screens have the ability to recognize opportunities where student work can be spontaneously shared with the class; setting students up to be better, lifelong contributors and collaborators.

Less interruptions or conflict when students get off task. If a teacher suspects a student is off task, they can quickly and unobtrusively check in and pause their screen if necessary, thereby reducing escalation, frustration, and conflict that could arise from a negative encounter. And, this streamlined interaction ultimately leads to more active learning and a better experience for students and teachers.

Fear, uncertainty, and doubt should not drive decisions. Identify concerns and risks and put plans in place to mitigate them, especially when tools enable a more engaged environment that supports student learning.

While these tools bring a change to the classroom environment, they support a teacher’s need to check for understanding and ensure students are progressing as expected—all while minimizing interruptions and distractions. While the fear of new technology or the unknown may come into play, schools and teachers should consider how the benefits (creating a more engaged environment for students) far outweigh any uncertainty.